Local Style's Local Launch

Local Style, a Chicago-based artisanal potato chip brand, had ambitious dreams to introduce their brand to the public with intimate events at restaurants—but a limited budget. So, they hired Lindsay for a simple 2-hour strategy session to develop a launch framework.

What emerged was the "Sidewalk Series"—where each chip flavor would get its own launch night. Lindsay supported the inaugural Hot Giardiniera launch at JP Graziano, complete with music, merch, and sandwiches. The strategy came to life beautifully.

But Lindsay was so impressed by the product and Laura herself that she wanted to do more. LRG saw that potential—and earned game-changing, strategic event placements for Local Style, ultimately leading up to the brand's debut at one of the culinary world's most prestigious events, the James Beard Awards.

What started as a completed consulting contract evolved into something extraordinary. Lindsay began "keeping Local Style in her orbit"—identifying opportunities within her existing event portfolio where the brand could add value.

First came strategic placements at premium events: the Chicago Chefs Cook Benefit at Four Seasons (waiving a $15K sponsorship fee) and an exclusive "Spill the Tea" dining event with high-net-worth art collectors (waiving a $2,500 fee). The results were immediate: Four Seasons adopted Local Style as their signature bar chip and influencer Sarah Hoover shared the brand with her 54.5K followers.

Then came the main event. While established brands paid premium sponsorship fees, Local Style got prime placement at the James Beard Awards through Lindsay's strategic relationship-building. At the Media Awards, every industry insider found a Local Style bag waiting on their seat. At the Restaurant & Chef Awards, attendees received chips entering the Lyric Opera. Chicago's newest chip brand was suddenly in the hands of the biggest names in food, media, and culinary culture.

• Orchestrated strategic event placements (Chicago Chefs Cook Benefit, "Spill the Tea" dining event—waiving a total of $17.5k in sponsorship fees)

• Secured Local Style’s pre-event snack opportunity at the 2025  James Beard Media Awards and Restaurant & Chef Awards with waived sponsorship fees

• Coordinated distribution logistics with Awards' production team

• Leveraged industry relationships to create authentic brand moments

• Generated organic media coverage across multiple publications

• Facilitated ongoing retailer, brand, and media introductions

• Provided strategic guidance for brand positioning and growth opportunities

This wasn't just product placement—it was Local Style's launch party on the national culinary stage. In one weekend, a two-month-old Chicago startup gained credibility that typically takes years to build. The ripple effects continue today: Four Seasons made Local Style their signature bar chip, new retail partnerships emerged, and the brand established its place in Chicago's competitive snack landscape.

Lindsay's ability to see potential in emerging brands and create priceless opportunities through relationships proved that sometimes the best marketing moments can't be bought—they have to be built.